Keeping Bedford abreast of developments at the State House, Rep. Ken Gordon checked in about legislation to combat substance abuse, and Sen. Mike Barrett sent word about expanding the use of carbon monoxide alarms in schools.
House Passes Legislation to Combat Substance Abuse Epidemic
Submitted by State Representative Ken Gordon (D) Bedford
Representative Ken Gordon joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass legislation that increases access to treatment for individuals confronting substance addition and takes significant steps to combat the current epidemic.
The bill seeks to set patients on a path to sustainable recovery by both increasing access to care and improving the standard of care. Under this legislation, all insurance plans in the Commonwealth will cover acute treatment services, clinical stabilization and medical detox for at least ten days, and patients will have access to treatment without having to obtain prior authorization first. Additionally, licensed drug and alcohol counselors will be added to the list of specialists covered to allow these providers to bill insurers for their services.
“I took Speaker DeLeo to Lahey Health in Burlington last May. He toured the emergency room and saw people in need of substance abuse or mental health treatment lying in beds in the hallway waiting for coverage decisions so they could be sent to proper mental health facilities,” said Gordon. “These waits went on for days, and dozens of patients in trauma came in this way each month. The speaker not only listened, but he acted. And the result can be seen in the provisions of this bill”
“This legislation is the first step in quelling the rise in substance addition that is devastating the lives of people across the Commonwealth,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “The bill provides the foundation for sustainable improvement by increasing access to care and changing the way we monitor and respond to unprecedented public health crises like the one we’re currently confronting.”
The legislation expands on efforts taken by the House last year by allowing for the emergency scheduling of substances by the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health (DPH). DPH will now have the authority to temporarily categorize a substance as “schedule I’ on an emergency basis to avoid imminent hazard to public safety or preserve public health. Additionally, this bill authorizes DPH compile a list of prescription drug drop boxes and other safe locations where people will be able to dispose of excess prescription drugs.
To increase oversight and enhance the Commonwealth’s ability to respond to public health problems, this legislation increases the membership of the Drug Formulary Commission (DFC) to include representatives from the Department of Insurance, DPH, Medicaid and chronic pain and addition medicine specialists. The DFC will also be required to recommend a list of chemically equivalent substitutions for opiates that are less likely to be abused to encourage the prescription of abuse-deterrent medications.
Senate bill expands use of carbon monoxide alarms in schools
Submitted by State Senator Michael Barrett (D) Lexington
The state Senate has unanimously approved a bill to expand the use of carbon monoxide alarms in schools and restaurants.
The plan requires schools with fossil fuel burning equipment to retrofit their fire alarm systems to include carbon monoxide alarms. Schools will have up to five years to integrate their systems; until they complete the process, schools will be required to have battery powered carbon monoxide alarms in compliance with the Board of Fire Safety.
“The legislation builds on a 2006 law that addresses alarms in residences,” said state Sen. Mike Barrett, D-Lexington, directing praise at Senate President Therese Murray for her work on that bill. “Getting more alarms into schools could save lives.”
The bill just passed by the Senate creates a Carbon Monoxide Trust Fund containing $7.5 million to cover the costs of retrofitting. Before funding is allocated to a school district, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will review the plans. DESE and the Department of Fire Services will also be required to determine best practices for school districts regarding carbon monoxide detection.
“I want to thank the members and leadership of the Senate for their continuing commitment to strengthening our carbon monoxide and smoke alarm laws,” said State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan.
The legislation also stipulates that all restaurants integrate carbon monoxide alarms into their fire alarm systems when undergoing a significant remodel or construction.
In order to get more working smoke alarms in homes, the bill requires all residences be inspected prior to sale or transfer, allowing the Board of Fire Prevention to require an upgrade or replacement of smoke detectors.
The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
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